We’re excited to team up with Fiona’s Funky Food for a show-stopping dessert that blends tropical flavour with gourmet flair: a Pineapple & Coconut Basque Cheesecake infused with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt and finished with Maldon Pepper Sea Salt Caramel Shards. This unique twist on the trending Basque-style cheesecake combined creamy custard, bright pineapple, fresh lime, and toasted coconut, all elevated by the gentle smokiness of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes.
The salt melts seamlessly into the batter, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding depth to every bite – a flavour upgrade that’s quickly becoming popular in modern baking, Springtime desserts, and tropical-inspired recipes.
To finish, the cheesecake is crowned with crisp Maldon Pepper Sea Salt Caramel Shards, where Pepper Sea Salt brings a subtle heat, crunchy texture, and that irresistible sweet-savoury balance food lovers crave. The result? A dessert that’s sweet, smoky, tropical, lightly spiced and packed with flavour – the perfect showcase of just how versatile Maldon Salt can be in both baking and confectionary.
Whether you’re searching for a unique Spring bake, a summer celebration dessert, or a creative cheesecake recipe, this collaboration delivers a flavour experience that’s bold, modern, and utterly unforgettable.
What is a Basque Cheese? (Everything You Need to Know About This Trending Dessert)
A Basque cheesecake, also known as a Burnt Basque Cheesecake, is an ultra-creamy, crustless cheesecake originally from San Sebastian, Spain. Unlike the classic New York-style cheesecake, the Basque version is baked at a very high temperature, creating it’s signature deeply caramelised, ‘burnt’ top, while the inside remains soft, custard-like and silky.
A traditional baked cheesecake is baked at a much lower temperature, often in a water bath to prevent cracks. It is a lot more dense, creamy, pale, and usually baked with a crumb crust at a low heat for a smooth, fully-set finish.
Not all cheesecakes are baked – and there’s a delicious science behind why some are simply chilled to set! A no-bake cheesecake relies on a different method of thickening and stabilising the filling, which creates a lighter, creamier texture compared to the dense, custard-like structure of a baked cheesecake. A no-bake cheesecake sets in the fridge because it uses stabilising ingredients like cream cheese, whipped cream, and sometimes gelatine – not eggs. Without eggs, there’s no need for baking!
How To Make a Pineapple & Coconut Basque Cheesecake
Step 1 – Prepare the Tin for the Basque Cheesecake
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 200°C fan (428°F / 392°F fan).
Line a 20cm (8-inch) springform tin with overlapping parchment sheets, ensuring the edges rise above the rim. This helps contain the high-rise Basque-style batter.
Step 2 – Make the Tropical Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream cheese and caster sugar until smooth and lump free.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating too much air.
Pour in the double cream and coconut cream and mix until silky.
Sift in the plain flour and fold lightly.
Stir in the vanilla extract, lime zest, toasted desiccated coconut, caramelised pineapple and 7-10g Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes.
Taste and adjust to your preference – you ideally want a soft smokiness that enhances the tropical flavours without overpowering them.
Tip – to get caramelised pineapple, you need to cook the pieces in a hot pan with butter and sugar until browned and glossy. This quick method adds a sweet, golden, caramelised flavour.
Step 3 – Bake the Basque Cheesecake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is deeply caramelised, with a slightly jiggly centre – the signature Basque look.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 4+ hours, ideally overnight, for the custard-like interior to set.
Step 4 – Make the Maldon Pepper Sea Salt Caramel Shards
Line a tray with parchment.
In a saucepan, heat the cater sugar and water over medium heat without stirring until it reaches a deep amber colour.
Remove the heat and quickly stir in the Maldon Pepper Sea Salt.
Pour the caramel thinly onto the parchment. Allow it to harden fully, then break into shards. These add crunch, subtle heart, and a sweet-savoury finish.
Step 5 – Assemble and Decorate
Remove the chilled cheesecake from the tin.
Insert the caramel shards vertically for height and texture.
Optional: Finish with a light sprinkle of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt for a glossy, elevated garnish.
Optional:Add dollops of cream on top with an extra serving of the diced caramelised pineapple to give the dish that ‘wow’ factor.
Have You Tried This?
Loved making this tropical Basque cheesecake? If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to see it! Tag us in your creations and show us how your cheesecake turned out.
Create a show-stopping classic beef Wellington with this simplified, step-by-step recipe, which serves up to 8 people. This easy beef Wellington features a beautifully seared beef fillet, which is brushed with Dijon mustard. wrapped in a rich mushroom duxelles made from chestnut mushrooms, layered with Parma ham (or prosciutto), then enclosed in all-butter pastry for a golden, flaky pastry finish. Careful chilling and resting of the beef Wellington ensures a medium-rare, perfectly pink centre on the beef.
Seasoned with Maldon Original Sea Salt and cracked black pepper, the beef Wellington with puff pastry pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetable likes roasted carrots, and a rich red wine jus. This dish is ideal for any special occasion centrepiece; as a Easter alternative to lamb to a table show-stopper at Christmas time.
How to Make a Beef Wellington
Crafting a show-stopping beef Wellington by searing a tender beef fillet, wrapping it in mushroom duxelles and Parma ham, and baking it in golden, flaky puff pastry until perfectly pink at the centre.
Step 1 – Bring the Beef to Room Temperature
Remove the beef fillet from the fridge 1 hour before cooking so that the meat reached room temperature. This helps the meat cook more evenly, ensuring you achieve that signature pink centre without overcooking the outer layers.
Step 2 – Make the Mushroom Duxelles
Add unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil to a large frying pan.
Soften the finely diced onion gently until translucent, then add the crushed garlic.
Pulse the chestnut mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped, then cook them with the onions/garlic until all the liquid has evaporated (approx. 15 minutes). It is important to reduce the moisture from the mushroom duxelles because excess water can cause the pastry of the beef Wellington to become soggy.
Stir through thyme leaves and chopped parsley in the last 5 minutes.
Season with Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes and cracked black pepper, then cool completely, chilling in the fridge to firm up.
Step 3 – Sear the Beef Fillet
Generously season the beef fillet all over with Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes and cracked black pepper.
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high to high heat until very hot, then add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Sear the beef on all sides until well caramelised – no longer than 2 minutes total so the centre stays very rare.
Remove from the pan and rest for 30 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 4 – Wrap the Beef in Parma Ham and Duxelles
Lay out overlapping layers of clingfilm on a clean surface.
Arrange the Parma ham slices in an even layer that will fully wrap the beef.
Spread the chilled mushroom duxelles evenly over the Parma ham.
Brush the rested beef with Dijon mustard, place it on one edge, then use the clingfilm to roll everything up tightly into a firm “sausage” shape.
Twist the ends to secure and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Step 5 – Encase in Puff Patry
Unroll the puff pastry on its parchment paper.
Remove the clingfilm from the beef log and place it in the centre of the pastry.
Wrap the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges well and ensuring the seam is on the underside.
Use beaten egg to brush and seal the pastry.
If needed, trim and use extra pastry to patch any gaps and decorate (e.g. thin strips for a lattice).
Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper and chill for a further hour to firm up.
Step 6 – Bake the Beef Wellington
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan if appropriate – specify if recipe assumes fan or conventional).
Brush the Wellington all over with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Bake for around 35 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown.
You can mention indicative doneness (e.g. for medium-rare fillet, the centre should still feel slightly springy; optional note on using a thermometer if desired).
Remove from the oven and rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Step 7 – Finish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the pastry with Maldon Sea Salt flakes and a few extra thyme leaves. Seasoning your Wellington with Maldon Sea Salt flakes enhances flavour and texture by delivering clean, bright saltiness that lifts the beef, duxelles, and pastry while adding a delicate, crunchy finish.
Slice into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
To Serve
A beef Wellington is ideal for Christmas, New Year’s, or any special occasion because it feels truly celebratory. It’s luxurious yet comforting, feeds a crowd with ease, and can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy kitchens. It’s classic flavour pair effortlessly with seasonal sides likes roasted carrots and red wine jus, making it just as fitting as a show-stopping alternative to lamb on Easter.
Here are a few sides that you can pair your beef Wellington:
Bring the beef fillet to room temperature for even cooking and a perfectly pink centre.
Sear the beef until golden to lock in flavour and prevent excess moisture.
Cook the mushroom duxelles thoroughly to remove moisture and avoid soggy pastry.
Wrap tightly with Parma ham (or prosciutto) to create a moisture barrier for the beef and mushroom duxelles.
Chill the beef Wellington before baking to help and pastry hold it’s shape.
Use all-butter puff pastry for the best golden, flaky finish.
Season generously with Maldon Sea Salt and cracked black pepper for an elevated flavour.
Rest the beef Wellington before slicing to keep the layers intact.
Doneness, Make-Ahead & Reheating Notes
How do I know when the beef will be done in a beef Wellington
Medium-rare is the classic level of doneness for beef Wellington. After 35 minutes at 200°C and resting, the 1lg fillet should be cooked and have a warm, perfectly pink centre with a tender texture.
Can I prepare beef Wellington in advance?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare beef Wellington in advance. You can assemble the Wellington (beef, mushroom duxelles, Parma ham, pastry), then wrap tightly in clingfilm and chill for up to 25 hours before baking.
Chilling helps the pastry stay crisp and golden and improves overall shape.
Brush with egg wash just before baking for the best finish.
Can I reheat beef Wellington?
Yes, you can reheat beef Wellington. Leftover slices can be reheated gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 12-15 minutes until warmed. Make sure you use a wire rack to keep the pastry crisp.
You can also reheat in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 150°C (300°F) and heat to 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Avoid reheating in the microwave – it will make the pastry soggy and tough.
Please note – the beef will now stay medium-rare after reheating; it will cook further, but the flavour will remain delicious.
There are few desserts as universally loved and visually impressive as a molten chocolate fondant. Slicing through the delicate, baked sponge exterior to reveal a rich, flowing river of warm chocolate is the ultimate dinner party party trick. While they have a reputation for being difficult to master, this dark chocolate fondant recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time. To cut through the richness of the dark chocolate and elevate the dessert to restaurant quality, we fold a generous pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes directly into the batter and finish the plated pudding with a final salty sprinkle.
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Fondant
The Perfect Molten Centre: Our precise baking time and temperature ensure that the outside sets into a light sponge while the inside remains delightfully gooey and liquid.
Sweet & Salty Balance: Dark chocolate and sea salt are a match made in heaven. The clean, bright salinity of Maldon Salt perfectly counteracts the bitterness of the cocoa and enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
Quick & Impressive: Despite looking incredibly complex, this molten chocolate fondant recipe comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
How to Make Molten Chocolate Fondants (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 200°C and place an empty baking tray onto the middle shelf to heat up. Take 2 ramekins (or dariole moulds) and grease the insides thoroughly with butter. Add the cocoa powder to one mould and tap it around to completely coat the buttery sides. Tip the excess cocoa powder into the second mould and repeat the process. Tip out any final excess cocoa powder, then set the prepared moulds aside.
Step 2 – Melt the chocolate
Place the unsalted butter and broken dark chocolate pieces into a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (a bain-marie), ensuring the base of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the butter and chocolate have melted together into a smooth, glossy liquid. Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3 – Whisk the eggs
In a separate large bowl, add the whole egg, the 2 egg yolks, the caster sugar, and a generous pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes pale, thick, and fluffy.
Step 4 – Fold the batter
Pour the cooled, melted chocolate mixture into the fluffy egg mixture. Sift in the plain flour, then use a spatula to carefully fold everything together until just combined, ensuring you don’t knock the air out of the eggs.
Step 5 – Bake the fondants
Pour the fondant dark chocolate batter evenly into the prepared moulds, making sure to leave a 2cm gap at the top so they have room to rise. Carefully place the moulds onto the preheated tray in the oven and bake for exactly 10 minutes, until the tops have formed a crust and the edges are set.
Step 6 – Invest and serve
Remove the fondants from the oven and allow them to rest in their moulds for 30 seconds. Place a small dessert plate upside down on top of a mould, quickly flip it over, and carefully pull the mould away to invert the fondant. Serve immediately with a dusting of extra cocoa powder, a final sprinkle of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Gooey Centre
Do Not Skip the Cocoa Dusting: Greasing your moulds with butter and dusting them with cocoa powder is the secret to ensuring your fondants easily slip out of their ramekins without tearing and spilling their liquid centers.
Watch the Clock: Timing is everything with a molten chocolate fondant. Ovens vary, but 10 minutes at 200°C is usually the sweet spot. If you leave them in too long, they will bake all the way through and become standard chocolate cakes.
Use Quality Chocolate: Because chocolate is the star of the show here, ensure you are using a high-quality dark chocolate (ideally 70% cocoa solids or higher) for the richest, most decadent flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare chocolate fondants in advance?
Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the batter, pour it into the greased and dusted moulds, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready for dessert, simply bake them straight from the fridge (you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time since the batter is chilled).
Why didn’t my fondant melt in the middle?
If your chocolate fondant is cooked solidly all the way through, it was left in the oven for too long. Fondants continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven, so it’s vital to pull them out as soon as the outer edges look set but the very centre still has a slight jiggle to it.
Why add sea salt to a chocolate dessert?
Salt is a natural flavour enhancer. Adding a pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt to a rich chocolate dessert like this does not make it taste “salty.” Instead, the salt counteracts the bitterness of the cocoa, balances out the sugar, and makes the dark chocolate taste even more intense and complex.
When you need an elegant, restaurant-quality vegetable side dish but are short on time, this sauteed asparagus with mushrooms is the perfect solution. Earthy, wild mushrooms meet vibrant, tender-crisp asparagus in a hot pan, soaking up rich olive oil and aromatic crushed garlic. The entire dish comes together in under 15 minutes from prep to plate. The secret to elevating this simple pan-fry? A generous pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes tossed through right at the end to enhance the savoury, umami flavours of the mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
Lightning Fast: With just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the pan, this is the ultimate speedy side dish for busy weeknights or stress-free dinner parties.
Incredible Texture: Pan-frying the mushrooms on a high heat gives them a beautiful, golden-crisp edge, while the asparagus stays perfectly vibrant and tender-crisp.
Earthy & Smoky: Using a blend of wild mushrooms (like shiitake or chanterelle) paired with our signature smoked sea salt creates a deep, complex flavour profile that punches far above its simple ingredients.
How to Make Sauteed Asparagus with Mushrooms (Step-byStep)
Step 1 – Prepare the vegetables
Start by preparing your asparagus. Remove the tough, woody ends from the spears, then cut the remaining tender stems in half to create two shorter pieces per spear. Next, take your mixed mushrooms and brush them clean. Keep any smaller mushrooms whole, but cut larger varieties in half so everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 2 – Fry the mushrooms
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the prepared mushrooms and fry until they soften, release their moisture, and develop a nicely golden, crisp exterior.
Step 3 – Add the asparagus and garlic
Once the mushrooms are golden, toss the prepared asparagus pieces into the hot pan. Sauté the asparagus in the olive oil alongside the mushrooms for a couple of minutes until they turn bright green.
Step 4 – Finish and season
Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Fry for another minute or so until the garlic becomes beautifully fragrant and the asparagus is perfectly tender. The whole cooking process should take 10 minutes or less. Remove the pan from the heat, season generously with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Pan-Fried Vegetables
Brush, Don’t Wash: Mushrooms are like sponges. If you rinse them under water, they will absorb it and steam in the pan rather than getting crispy. Always use a dry pastry brush or a damp piece of kitchen paper to gently brush away any dirt.
Keep the Heat High: To get that lovely golden-brown sear on the mushrooms without overcooking the asparagus, make sure your frying pan and olive oil are nice and hot before you start.
Add Garlic Last: Crushed garlic burns very quickly over high heat, turning bitter. By adding the garlic during the final minute of cooking, you infuse the dish with its fragrant flavour without risking a burnt taste.
What to Serve with Sautéed Asparagus
This garlicky, earthy side dish is incredibly versatile. It is a classic pairing for a pan-seared steak, a juicy roast chicken breast, or a thick-cut pork chop. For a vegetarian option, try serving these savoury vegetables stirred through a creamy Parmesan risotto or simply tossed with fresh pasta and an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of olive oil
Yes, you can absolutely use butter instead of olive oil! While our recipe calls for asparagus sautéed in olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean finish, you can absolutely substitute it with butter. Butter will add a rich, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
How do I know where to trim the asparagus
The easiest way to find where the tough, woody end stops and the tender stem begins is to take one spear of asparagus and gently bend it near the bottom. It will naturally snap at the exact point where it becomes tender. You can use that snapped piece as a length guide to slice the rest of your bunch with a knife.
Can I use standard button mushrooms?
You certainly can use button mushrooms instead of mixed mushrooms. However, we highly recommend using a “mixed wild” pack (containing varieties like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle) if you can find them. They offer a much meatier texture and a deeper, more complex flavour than standard white button mushrooms.
If you have never tried cooking radishes before, you are in for a treat. While raw radishes are famous for their sharp, peppery bite, learning how to roast radishes completely transforms them. The oven mellows their heat, turning them incredibly sweet, tender, and juicy. Paired with earthy, vibrant baby rainbow carrots and a drizzle of honey, this dish is the ultimate celebration of seasonal root vegetables. We finish the whole tray with a generous pinch of Maldon Pepper Sea Salt flakes to perfectly balance the natural sweetness with a subtle, savoury, peppered flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Radishes and Rainbow Carrots Recipe
A Transformation of Flavor: Roasting radishes is a revelation, swapping their raw spice for a mellow, turnip-like sweetness that pairs flawlessly with caramelised carrots.
Visually Stunning: The mix of vibrant pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows makes this a beautiful side dish that will elevate any dinner table or Sunday roast.
Minimal Prep: With only 5 minutes of prep work required, you simply toss the vegetables on a tray and let the oven do the hard work.
How to Make Roasted Radishes and Rainbow Carrots (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Step 2 – Prepare the vegetables
Lightly scrub the rainbow carrots to remove any dirt and place them whole onto a large baking tray. Take your mixed radishes and keep the smaller ones whole, while halving any larger ones so everything cooks evenly. Add them to the tray.
Step 3 – Prepare the garlic
Cut the whole garlic bulb in half horizontally right through the middle, creating two cross-sections. Nestle both halves onto the baking tray among the vegetables.
Step 4 – Season and toss
Drizzle the carrots, radishes, and garlic generously with the olive oil. Season well with Maldon Pepper Sea Salt flakes and cracked black pepper. Give everything a light toss on the tray to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated, then place into the preheated oven.
Step 5 – Roast and garnish
Roast the vegetables for 35 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and beautifully caramelised around the edges. Remove from the oven, arrange on a serving platter, and finish with fresh thyme leaves and a sweet drizzle of honey.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Root Vegetables
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your radishes and rainbow carrots have plenty of space on the baking tray. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of caramelising and getting those delicious, crispy edges.
Squeeze the Garlic: Once roasted, those halved garlic bulbs become incredibly sweet and spreadable. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their papery skins directly over the vegetables before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
The Pepper Salt is Key: Because the carrots and radishes both become quite sweet in the oven—especially with the honey drizzle—the Maldon Pepper Sea Salt is vital. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a complex, savoury depth.
What to Serve with Roasted Radishes
This vibrant mix is incredibly versatile. It serves as a fantastic, colourful side dish for a classic Sunday roast chicken or beef. It also pairs beautifully with grilled fish, thick-cut pork chops, or as part of a larger vegetarian feast alongside grains like quinoa or farro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you roast radishes?
You can absolutely roast radishes! While often eaten raw in salads, roasting is arguably the best way to eat radishes. The heat breaks down their spicy compounds, turning them mild, juicy, and deliciously sweet.
Do I need to peel baby rainbow carrots?
No, there is no need to peel baby rainbow carrots! Their skins are very thin and hold a lot of nutrients. Simply give them a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt before tossing them on your baking tray.
Can I use regular carrots or standard red radishes?
Yes. While the mixed colours of rainbow carrots and mixed radishes look stunning on a platter, the recipe works exactly the same with standard orange carrots and classic red globe radishes. Just ensure you cut any larger standard carrots into batons so they cook at the same rate as the radishes.
Cut the squid into a mixture of rings or thick slices with the skin scored in a crisscross pattern. Keep the tentacles left whole or cut into two pieces. In a large bowl mix together the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce and grated ginger. Add the prepared squid to the bowl and toss it through the marinade so it is well coated. Cover the bowl in clingfilm and set aside in the fridge for 15 minutes.
In a second large bowl, mix the plain flour, cornflour and Maldon Pepper Sea Salt.
Place the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan, so it comes 3 inches up the sides. Place it on a medium heat and let the oil come up to 180c.
Take the squid out of the fridge and lift each piece out, shaking off any excess marinade and then transferring it into the flour bowl. Toss each piece well in the flour, again shaking off any excess, before dropping them into the hot oil. Do this in smaller batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
Use a slotted spoon to lift the fried squid out of the oil when it is golden brown (after 2 – 3 minutes), and place onto a tray with some kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, finely chopped coriander and dill, and lime juice.
Serve the fried squid immediately with the herbed mayonnaise and some extra Maldon Pepper Sea Salt.
Preheat the oven to 180c.
Cut the butternut squash down the middle from the stem to base. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Then use a sharp knife to score the butternut squash flesh in a crisscross pattern. Place each half into a roasting tray with the flesh facing up, and drizzle both with half of the olive oil. Season with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt, black pepper and the smoked paprika. Then place into the oven for 40 minutes until soft and tender but still holding its shape.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the rice filling. Start by adding the remaining olive oil to a small frying pan, and place onto a medium heat to heat up. Then add the sliced red onion and fry for 8 – 10 minutes, stirring consistently until the onions are very soft and starting to caramelise. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the rice according to the packet instructions and then tip into a large bowl.
Add the finely chopped dill and the caramelized onions and stir through. Then season with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt and black pepper. When the butternut squash has cooked, remove it from the oven and divide the rice between the two halves, pressing the rice into the cavity. Then top with some crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios. Drizzle over a little pomegranate molasses and a final sprinkle of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt.
Preheat the oven to 180c.
To make the cauliflower steaks, remove the leaves from the cauliflower and then cut into thick 1-inch slices – the end pieces won’t hold together to they need to be closer to the root. Any leftover cauliflower pieces or leaves can be saved for roasting another time!
Place the cauliflower steaks onto a roasting tray. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, ground coriander, sumac and Maldon Chilli Sea Salt. Then use a pastry brush to brush the spiced oil across the steaks, making sure they are evenly coated. Place them into the preheated oven to roast for 40 minutes until soft and tender and starting to char on the edges.
To make the romesco sauce, place the toasted nuts into a food processor along with the roasted red peppers, crushed garlic, paprika, Maldon Chilli Sea Salt and sherry vinegar. Blitz this and then while the motor is running drizzle in the olive oil until you have a lovely smooth sauce. Set aside.
Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked, remove from the oven.
To serve, spread the romesco sauce on the base of a large platter. Then top with the cauliflower steaks and garnish with some mint leaves.
Start by placing the pistachios into a food processor and blitzing until they are very finely ground. Tip these into a shallow bowl and set aside. Wipe out the excess from the food processor, but there is no need to clean it.
Then add the walnuts to the food processor and pulse these until finely ground. Then add the medjool dates, flaxseed, chia seeds, Maldon Smoked Sea Salt, cocoa powder and orange zest and juice. Blitz this until everything is well ground and mixed to a thick paste.
With slightly damp hands, roll out small golf ball sized balls of the mixture. Then roll each ball in the ground pistachios from earlier. Set these onto a tray and into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
Remove from the fridge when you are ready to enjoy them.
Nothing says festive comfort quite like a Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding – rich, indulgent, and full of seasonal flavour. This show-stopping dessert combines Medjool dates, Bramley apple, and a warming blend of mixed spice and nutmeg for a pudding that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. Sweetened with golden syrup and lifted by a hint of orange zest and brand, this recipe delivers a gooey centre, moist crumb, and that all-important skewer test perfection!
Perfect for your holiday table or Boxing Day feast, this pudding is a make-ahead marvel – simply reheat gently before serving. Whether you’re a seasoned bake or trying something new, this recipe guarantees festive magic with every spoonful.
How to Make Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce
Step 1 – Prep the Basin and Oven
Butter and line the base of a 1.5‑litre pudding basin with greaseproof paper.
Heat oven to 140°C fan (160°C conventional / 320°F). Place the basin on a tray.
Tip: Lining helps the sponge release cleanly.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, mixed spice, grated nutmeg and 1 tsp Maldon Original Sea Salt.
Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Egg
In a stand mixer or with electric whisks, beat butter and light brown sugar until soft and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Tip: If the mixture looks split, beat in 1 tbsp of the flour.
Step 4 – Fold in Fruit and Flavourings
Fold in dates, walnuts, grated Bramley apple, orange zest, then the golden syrup and brandy.
Step 5 – Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6 – Bake
Spoon mixture into the prepared basin, level the top.
Bake 1 hr 20 min–1 hr 30 min, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cue: Top should be risen and springy; edges pull slightly from the sides.
Step 7 – Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Add sugar, butter, double cream and 1 tsp Maldon Original Sea Salt to a medium pan.
Warm over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Increase heat and bubble 2–3 minutes until syrupy and golden.
Tip: For a silkier finish, don’t stir once boiling; swirl the pan.
Step 8 – Serve
Turn out the pudding, pour over warm salted caramel sauce and finish with a pinch of Maldon flakes for sparkle.
Tips & FAQs
Tips
For extra moisture, don’t overbake—use the skewer cue (few crumbs).
Medjool dates give a plush texture; if using drier dates, briefly soak in hot water, then drain.
Alcohol‑free: swap brandy for orange juice or apple juice.
Nut‑free: omit walnuts and add 50g extra dates.
Make‑ahead: bake a day ahead, cool, cover and reheat; keep sauce separate until serving.
FAQs
How long to cook sticky toffee pudding?
At 140°C fan (160°C conventional / 320°F), bake for 1 hr 20–30 min until a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can you make sticky toffee pudding ahead of time?
Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slices at 160°C for 10–15 min or microwave 30–45 sec; warm the sauce gently.
Can you freeze sticky toffee pudding?
Freeze the baked pudding (without sauce) well‑wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat as above, and add freshly warmed sauce.
Why is my caramel sauce grainy?
Ensure sugar fully dissolves before boiling. Once bubbling, avoid stirring; swirl the pan and remove from heat as soon as it’s glossy and thickened.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Pudding up to 3 days; sauce in a sealed jar up to 5 days.
Reheat: Oven 160°C for 10–15 min (cover loosely); microwave individual slices 30–45 sec. Warm sauce gently; if too thick, loosen with a splash of cream.
